FLEXIBLE FITNESS: Exercise and cancer — benefits to staying healthy before, during and after treatment

By Melissa McGowan and Nicole Tomasino / Daily News Correspondents

Tuesday

Jun 19, 2018 at 2:04 PMJun 19, 2018 at 2:04 PM

Undergoing cancer treatment is something that can be debilitating, stressful and scary all at the same time. It can also have an impact on your ability to carry on with normal life: bathing, dressing, cooking, and cleaning independently. In addition, treatment can affect your ability to continue to work or return to work as well as complete the hobbies or activities you love. Over the last several years, research has shown us that there are several ways that exercise can help tackle the side effects of cancer treatment as well as help with the recovery and healing process. One major finding is the decrease in a person’s risk of cancer reoccurrence. With individuals who are not currently diagnosed with cancer, exercise has shown to improve your strength, flexibility, energy level and mental health. The same benefits apply for someone undergoing cancer treatment.

It is recommended that prior to engaging in exercise, you discuss it with your physician and a physical therapist so that it is done so in a safe, appropriate manner. A physical therapist that specializes in Cancer Rehabilitation can work in conjunction with your physician to set up an exercise plan that is specialized to your needs. Building and maintaining overall strength is an important aspect of exercise that can be safe and effective in allowing a person to maintain a certain level of daily function. Gentle, gradual exercise geared towards the individual can assist in tackling the side effects of cancer treatment such as fatigue, mental health issues and emotional distress.

Aerobic activity, such as walking 2-4 times per week, is a great way to boost your energy and well-being. This type of exercise has been shown to help fend off fatigue, a major side effect that is commonly reported by individuals during treatment, which can help to provide improved tolerance to daily activities. This in turn can lead to decreased stress levels.

Simple ways to make changes to your daily routine and incorporate aerobic activity could include biking to work or walking to talk to co-workers instead of speaking on the phone. Using a step tracker, such as pedometer or Fitbit, that can help you assess how much exercise you are currently getting and set a goal each week. Additional ways to get small bouts of exercise throughout your day may include taking the stairs instead of the elevator, park farther way from the store when going shopping, and take a short walk during your lunch break. Additionally, find a form of exercise that you enjoy so that it is something that you can look forward to.

Decreased range of motion and flexibility is something that affects most people undergoing cancer treatment and is commonly overlooked. Surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy can affect a patient’s ability to reach overhead to a high shelf as well as put on a shirt or pair of pants without difficulty. Participation in range of motion exercise under the direction of a physical therapist can help an individual return to their normal activities of daily living as well as maintain function as they progress through their treatment.

Cancer survivors are also encouraged to seek appropriate professional nutritional advice and aim for a healthy diet. In fact, The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research have presented lifestyle recommendations to assist in cancer prevention, recurrence, and overall “all-disease” prevention in order to live a healthier, longer life. Multiple studies have concluded that following healthy lifestyle recommendations can reduced the risk of multiple types of cancer, as well as cardiovascular and other life-threatening illnesses. These recommendations involve meeting certain goals in physical activity, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining appropriate body weight. These have been looked at in both people undergoing cancer treatment as well as those who have not undergone treatment.

Overall participation in a regular exercise routine of moderate physical activity encompassing strength training, aerobic activity and flexibility in addition to a healthy diet has been shown to allow cancer survivors to resume the activities they enjoy while living a longer, healthier life. Always consult with your physician prior to starting an exercise program or making changes to your diet.